McElwain: Offensive line strong in scrimmage

One of Florida’s spring priorities is to become tougher and more physical on the offensive line. Well, the big nasties have been moving in that direction, UF coach Jim McElwain said Monday.

"It's been (getting tougher),” he said of the line. “We're coming off the ball. We're taking a step forward and not backward. I'm excited about that. We’ve got, as with all positions, a long way to go, but I like their approach. They're playing fast. They're getting up and getting set, and they're coming off the ball. It's really good.”

The line appears to be competing with more passion under new line coach Brad Davis.

“I think their energy (is the big difference),” McElwain said. “Solidifying that center spot (with T.J. McCoy) has been really good for us, starting inside out. (Martez Ivey) has done a really great job at tackle. Brett Heggie has come a long ways (at center) as well. I think the depth piece and more than anything the competition at different spots is something that always helps.”

McElwain praised the line’s performance in last Friday’s scrimmage. The offense had success moving the ball with all three quarterbacks — Feleipe Franks, Kyle Trask and true freshman Kadarius Toney.

“Credit our offensive line for doing what they need to do as far as helping us move the football,” he said.

McElwain was asked if it’s a case of the offensive line being that much improved, or simply benefiting from going against a relatively young defensive front.

“That’s always the million dollar question,” he said. “I’ve talked about that over and over. Before you get excited for one side, you wonder if it’s because of the lack on the other side, and vice versa. You really don’t know until you get game time. I just know how far we’ve come in some of those areas with the people we have playing there.”

Traditional game

The Gators likely will pit ones vs. twos in Friday night’s spring game, which will consist of four 12-minute quarters.

“It has become a made-for-television event, so we’ve got two hours, actually an hour and 57 minutes to get everything in,” McElwain said. “We’ll do our best to fit that time frame. It will probably be similar to what we did a year ago. We’ll sit down Wednesday, see how we’ll be able to split (up the team). It will be a four quarters, 12-minute quarters again. We’ll put some situational in there. But let the guys go out and play. That should be fun.”

Gardner, Harris shine

McElwain singled out two defensive players for their performances in last Friday’s scrimmage -- cornerback Chauncey Gardner and safety Marcell Harris.

“They really did a good job,” McElwain said. “Chauncey is really getting full time out there at corner, where he had kind of bounced around. I think he became really comfortable.

“Marcell in the tackling department, he made some open-field tackles where he didn’t just try to knock him out, got him wrapped up and really kept his head up -- the things we talk about. His leadership has been really, really strong throughout the spring.”

Impressive freshman

True freshman tight end and early enrollee Kemore Gamble has put himself in position to play in the fall with his strong spring performance, McElwain said.

“He’ll be a factor,” he said. “As of right now, he’ll be playing. He’s just got to continue the communication piece, especially in the blocking stuff we need to do. But the thing I like about him is he’s willing. The guy has got courage, he doesn’t back down. He’s got as good of hand-eye coordination, great ball skills, as probably anybody on our team.”

Injury update

McElwain said the Gators got through the final spring scrimmage last Friday without any significant injuries. Reserve wide receiver Kalif Jackson has a hamstring injury and his status is uncertain for Friday night’s spring game.